When it comes to keeping children safe in school zones, few are as passionate and committed as Constable Alisa Daniele of Peel Regional Police.

Her tireless work coordinating training, support, and incentives for more than 850 CAA School Safety Patrollers in Peel Region, west of Toronto, earned her this year’s CAA School Safety Patrol Program Achievement Award.

Established in Canada in 1929, the CAA School Safety Patrol Program was created in response to the alarming number of young children injured or killed in traffic collisions. Its mission is to teach safe street crossing and bus safety habits, creating safer school communities nationwide.

For the past 30 years, Peel Regional Police has partnered with the program, and since being introduced to it, Constable Daniele quickly recognized its vital importance.

“I truly believe that having Bus Patrollers on the bus makes it a safer place,” says Daniele.

“They act as leaders and role models, showing others how to follow safety rules and why they matter. They’re also the bus driver’s second set of eyes and ears. When Patrollers help everyone follow the rules, they may prevent accidents or injuries.”

Constable Daniele has been instrumental in the growth and success of the program making the most of available resources and addressing pandemic related challenges. After a significant drop during the 2022-2023 school year, with only 28 schools and 502 Patrollers participating,

Daniele’s leadership helped the program rebound. Today, 41 schools are registered with more than 850 Patrollers actively participating, a remarkable turnaround within three years.

The program is a year-round effort. Spring planning means a smooth transition into the beginning of the school year in the fall, and includes ordering supplies, securing buses and organizing school participation for efficient Patroller training. Alisa works with CAA year-round on to make sure patrollers have everything they need to be engaged.

“Constable Daniele’s transparent communication and innovative problem-solving have been pivotal. Not only has she sustained the program, but she has grown it against all odds,” says Tracy Marshall, manager of community relations at CAA SCO.

“Her passion and leadership set a gold standard for community safety and youth engagement.”

Daniele has also expanded the program's capacity by onboarding additional officers and providing hands-on training to ensure they can effectively support student Patrollers. Beyond logistics, she personally organizes end-of-year swag bags for Patrollers. She delivers these herself with handwritten thank-you cards, underscoring the program’s value and keeping Patrollers motivated. Her active social media promotion of Patroller achievements also raises community awareness of the program and the importance of school zone safety.

For Constable Daniele, the impact goes beyond safety skills.

“Being a Patroller pushes students out of their comfort zones, helping them build confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills they carry throughout life.”

In recognition of these efforts, Peel Regional Police and Constable Daniele received a $1,500 cheque and achievement plaque from CAA to support ongoing Patroller reward initiatives.

For more information about the program, and how to ensure safer school zones for everyone, visit www.caaschoolsafetypatrol.com.